As I entered Hogwarts, I was greeted by many smiled and cheers from my fellow teachers, who had been there since I went to the school. One face that beamed at me more then the rest was McGonagall's. The minute she saw me she rushed forward, wrapping me in a loose hug. She stepped back, smiling kindly at me.
"My, Miss Denzel, how long it has been since I last saw you within these very walls. How beautiful you have grown in that time. You always were my favorite Slytherin" She leaned in and whispered "Though don't tell Severus". I chuckled slightly, nodding.
"To be honest professor, I think you made that most obvious when I attended here with Severus" she nodded slightly, looking at the ground. "It is wonderful to see you again Professor" She chuckled slightly at me.
"Please dear, you are no longer a student, but a fellow teacher. I think you can call me by my first name now" I nodded, grinning at her, biting my lip slightly causing her to chuckle again.
"Minerva" She said, as I smiled at her, slightly embarrassed. "Now, you best go into the hall, I am sure Dumbledore will show you to your seat. First will be the sorting, the feast, and then Dumbledore will make his annual speech, then the feast. I best go and show the first years in. I hope you have a wonderful time here Miss Denzel"
"Rosa, please. I am getting quiet tired of Severus calling me Denzel, I think if someone else calls me it I shall go mad" I laughed, as she sniggered slightly, nodding. She patted my arm, and walked on. I turned, smiling to myself about being back behind the old walls of the school. I walked along, with a slight spring in my step, stopping now and again as teachers greeted me. Now you may very well call me vein for what I did, but when you return to your old school you wish to make a good impression, so I stopped at a mirror. I know not where it came from, I am just glad that it was there. I patted my hair, and brushed off my dress. I looked up, and smiled happily at my reflection. My golden hair was up in a slight quaff, with the rest running down in curls. My pale completion simply made my lips and eyes stand out. I had put ruby red lipstick on, with black eye shadow upon my eye lids, with black eye liner outlining them. I wore a floor length black dress, which was frilled out at the base. As I fixed my hair and sorted out my dress, I shook my head in disbelief. Why on earth had I done myself up so much? I sure I wanted to look good and make a good first impression on my students, but this was over the top. I sighed, shaking my head. I brought out my wand and pointed it at myself. My make up disappeared and my dress changed into a floor length blood red dress, which a silver out line round the neck and sleeves. My hair was slightly crimped and ran down past my shoulders and down my back. I nodded in approval, turned and walked into the Great Hall. Just at the entrance I walked right into something, which I presumed was the wall. What ever it was it sent me flying back. I looked up and looked right into the friendly face of Hagrid, the grounds keeper. Well that is what he was when I attended here. He offered me a hand up and lifted me to my feet with ease.
"Sorry bout that… Merlin's beard, Rosalie Denzel" he said, as I smiled kindly at him. I dusted off my dress.
"Hello Hagrid, long time no see" I said, smirking slightly. He chuckled nodding.
"Well, I 'spose with all your Lady duties you've no had much time ta talk ta many of your friends" I shrugged, nodding awkwardly "Still, what ever you've been doin, it's brought out the Lady in ya. Look at ya, the perfect sample of how a lady should look" I grinned widely, it was not often I was complimented twice in one day. "So you've come back to teach?" I nodded quickly, as a rush of excitement rushed through me at the very thought of it.
"Yep, I have. Enchantments. One of my favorite things in the world!" I cheered, causing him to chuckle again.
"Well, at least you're teachin somethin ya clearly enjoy, ta say the least" I laughed slightly, realizing how I must have sounded.
"So, you still the grounds keeper here?" He nodded
"And Care of Magical Creatures professor" He said, clearly proud of himself. I could not help but beam at my old friend.
"Hagrid, that is absolutely fantastic! Dumbledore could not have chosen a better man for the job!" I said, causing him to blush slightly.
"So, you still remember them old dance lessons I gave ya?" I burst out laughing, nodding.
"How could I forget them Hagrid, they were the best steps ever!" I said, laughing heartily.
"Well, I am sure that they taught ya some better ones at that Ladies school you went to" I looked at him, shocked.
"Hagrid, no steps were better then the ones you showed me. I mean the waltz? Tango? All trash compared to your steps!" he chuckled once again.
"Well, if they're so good, let's see if ya can remember them" I smirked at him. I took my hand and spun me round on the spot, causing me to fall back, as he caught me. I could not help but laugh completely loving how Hagrid was still the same old giant I had met when I had attended here. We heard someone scoff, looked up and saw Severus. He glanced at Hagrid, and glared at me. He walked past, his cloak sweeping out giving him the look of a bat. Hagrid placed me back onto my feet fully, watching Severus as he walked a look of unapproval on his face.
"Ignore him Rosa, if he says one word to ya, just ignore him. Always been miserable and always will be" He looked to me, his usual friendly smile on his face.
"Anyway, you best be going, I'll see ya at the feast" He said turning and walking out.
"Bye Hagrid" I called after. I turned and walked into Dumbledore who smiled friendly at me as he always did.
"Ah, Rosalie. I am glad to see you took up my offer" he said. I returned the smile, nodding, though I think he could clearly see I was slightly confused for he chuckled slightly. "I joke with you, of course, Rosalie. I know that once you have made a commitment, you stand by it firmly" I smiled at him kindly, appreciating the fact he had noticed one of my few good traits. Well few in my opinion at least, though I am sure Severus would agree whole heartedly. Thinking of what he must think of me brought my mind back to upon the train. He had let me sit next to him. Play with his hair, even if only for a short time he still had let me do it. Then he had knowingly, well either he knew or had forgotten, put my fingers on his lap. I am quiet sure he would not have moved his hand if I had only kept my damn fingers still. I must have shown some sign that I was thinking of Severus, because Dumbledore cleared his throat, bringing my attention back to him even though I was not even aware that I had looked off in a daze or such. He had that knowing look in his eyes which I had seen much of when I had attended Hogwarts as a student. When ever he had spoken to me and knew that I was not being fully truthful about what I was saying he would give me that look.
"I am sure Severus will come to terms with you being in his life once more. What choice does he have, other then to quit…" I must have looked at him clearly shocked or panicked by his words, for he chuckled again shaking his head "…Though I am quiet sure that he would rather see you resign before he did" I smirked nodding. "Still, I hope you don't mind but your seat is next to Severus" I laughed slightly
"Oh, I do not mind, though I am quiet sure he does" Dumbledore smirked, nodding.
"Yes well, may I show you to you seat, since we are both heading that way?" I smiled politely and nodded. He smiled with his usual kind smile, turned and led the way, I following a couple of steps behind.
"Professor" I said, after we had walked in silence. He stopped, turning to look at me, his seemingly never fading smile looking right at me. "Why did you ask me to return here? I mean, surely there are so many other students from the past which could prove more useful for the cause then I shall ever?" Dumbledore placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Rosalie, I would not have asked you back if I did not think that you could help in one way or another" I sighed slightly, nodding. He patted my shoulder, and led me on. He showed me to my seat, before bowing his head and walking to his seat. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a blared black image. I turned to my right and smiled politely at the sneering face of Severus.
"Hello Severus" I said simply, knowing he would speak to me as little as he could. I heard him mutter something back, no doubt a greeting. After the sorting, which seemed to be one thing that I knew had not changed since I had came to Hogwarts. Well that and the marvelous food. I held back the urge to shovel it all in as quick as I could, like I used to. Still perhaps that would prove to Severus that I had not truly changed. He seemed to be the only one I spoke to almost always with my 'proper' voice, and not my normal one that I spoke to everyone else with. Maybe that was partly why he seemed to hate me so much. I treated him differently to everyone else, but what did he expect? I had tried to act civil with him, and that had ended in disaster, minus the incident which had not. After almost everyone had finished, Dumbledore rose to his feet and walked to his podium.
"Well, now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a dew moments of your attention for the usual start-of-term notices" said Dumbledore "First-years ought to know that the Forest in the grounds is out of bounds to students- and a few of our older students ought to know by now, too" I smirked slightly at this, thinking of what those he meant had been up to in that damn Forest. "Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the four-hundred- and-sixty-second time, to remind you all that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes, nor are a number of other things, all which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr. Filch's office door "We have two changes in staff. Now, some of you have no doubt have noticed that we have an extra member of staff. Professor Denzel" He said, as I rose to me feet smiling kindly at the students who looked at me "Is here to teach the newest subject to be taught within these ancient walls, Enchantments." I sat back down "This shall be required to be taken by all students for the complete year, apart from those in sixth year and up, who are only required to take it for the first term, but may of course continue on for the rest of the school year." There was a round of polite and some what enthusiastic applause. "Also we are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons; we are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." There was another round of polite but fairly unenthusiastic applause. I presumed that a new DADA teacher was quiet common to the school. "Tryouts for the house Quidditch teams will take place on the-" he broke off, looking enquiringly at Professor Umbridge. As she was not much taller standing than sitting, there was a moment when nobody understood why Dumbledore had stopped talking, but then Professor Umbridge cleared her throat, 'Hem, hem' and it became clear that she had got to her feet and was intending to make a speech. Oh how I felt sorry for Severus having to sit next to her, luckily I was on his opposite side and so by McGonagall. Dumbledore only looked taken aback for a moment, then he sat down smartly and looked alertly at Professor Umbridge as though he desired nothing better than to listen to her talk. I looked along the table and smirked as the other members of staff were not as adept to hiding their surprise. Professor Sprout's eyebrows had disappeared into her fly away hair and Professor McGonagall's mouth was as thin as ever I had seen it while I was at Hogwarts. I could tell that no new teacher had ever interrupted Dumbledore before. I looked out to the students and saw that many of them were smirking; this woman obviously knew much less then I did about how things were done at Hogwarts.
"Thank you, Headmaster for those kind words of welcome." Her voice was high-pitched and little-girlish. Oh how glad I was that I did not have to sit in on any of her lessons, I thing I would kill myself after the first day. She cleared her throat once more and continued "Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say!" Dear heavens! She spoke even posher then I did. At least I made it sound good "And to see such happy little faces looking up at me!" I looked round, and completely missed any of these 'happy little faces' she saw. At least I now knew I was going to be a better teacher then someone. "I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all and I'm sure we'll be very good friends!" Dear me, how delirious could she be? Still she saw happy little faces that no one else saw so it was not truly surprising. She cleared her throat again, and when she spoke she sounded oh so business like. "The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizard to be of vital importance. The rare gifts with which you were born may come to nothing if not nurtured and honed by careful instruction. The ancient skills unique to the wizarding community must be passed down the generations lest we lose them for ever. The treasure trove of magical knowledge amazed by our ancestors must be guarded, replenished and polished by those who have been called to the noble profession of teaching" She paused and made a little bow to I and the rest of the staff, as we all watched her shocked still. I personally was almost dieing of boredom, and I have never been good at hiding boredom. I leaned on my hand which rested upon my elbow. My eyes hung low over my eyes, blinking hard trying to stay awake. I could tell by some of the sniggers and pointing I saw, it was amusing the students. The damn women cleared her throat again and went on with her drainingly dull speech.
"Every headmaster and headmistress of Hogwarts has brought something new to the weighty task of governing this historic school, and that is as it should be, for without progress there will be stagnation and decay. There again, progress for the sake of progress's sake must be discouraged, for our tried and tested traditions often require no tinkering. A balance, then, between old and new, between permanence and change between tradition and innovation…" For goodness's sake! This woman could talk until the world imploded! "...because some changes will be for the better, while others will come, in fullness of time, to be recognized as errors of judgment. Meanwhile, some old habits will be retained, and rightly so, whereas others, outmoded outworn, must be abandoned. Let us move forward, then, into a new era of openness, effectiveness and accountability, intent on preserving what ought to be preserved and accountability, intent on preserving what ought to be preserved, perfecting what needs to be perfected, and pruning wherever we find practices that ought to be prohibited" She finally sat down. Dumbledore clapped, waking me from my slight slumber. I with the rest of the staff followed his lead, though most of us barely clapped more then twice. A few students clapped, though most did not. Probably bored to death by it, poor children.
"Thank you very much, Professor Umbridge, that was most illuminating" He said, bowing to her "Now, as I was saying, Quidditch tryout will be held at the Quidditch pitch, during lunch. First Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and lastly Ravenclaw. That's all, now off to bed" there was a rush of activity, as the students rushed to get to the common rooms. Severus cleared his throat, and I looked at him smirking.
"I shall show you where your classroom is, then to your office, and lastly your quarters" he said, rising to his feet. I nodded, rolling my eyes slightly. One thing I had learnt when I had been close with Severus was never to question him. When he told you to do something you did it. Not that he would do anything if you did not, but it was better to do as he said then chance getting a very annoyed Severus, which was never good for anyone. I rose to my feet and followed after him, a few steps behind. A few moments later I began to hum slightly to myself, which of course would have to annoy him. He turned round swiftly, glaring at me as usual.
"Do you need to persist with that noise?" I rolled my eyes, stepping closer to him looking him dead in the eye.
"Severus, even if I was not humming, you would find something else to complain about" I said, chuckling slightly, flicking his hair "Since you never seem to be happy unless others are not" I said, smirking at him. He sneered at me, turned and walked on, at a faster pace then he had been a moment ago. I sighed, following him swiftly trying to keep up with him. He had often done this when we were at Hogwarts, walked swiftly in order to get away from what or who was annoying him. Still I had always, and always will, persist in following him at an equally quick pace, as I did now, much to his annoyance. I titled my head slightly, smiling quiet smugly at him. We walked down to the dungeons, which I imagined was his territory in the school. We walked through the dark dank corridors of the dungeons, until we got to a wooden door, stopping and glaring at the door with hatred which I presume was meant for me.
"This is your classroom" He said, duly "I advise you remember where it is, for I have much more important things to do then constantly re-show you where it is" I nodded understandingly, though I truly could not care what he said. If I forgot where my classroom was I could simply ask someone, who was not him of course. Before I had a chance to reach for the door handle, he turned and walked on. I sighed shrugging as I followed him to my office. He repeated what he had said outside my classroom, and then once more he took off before I had the chance to open the door. When we reached the door to my quarters, he stopped again, saying what he had at the last two doors once more. I walked to the door and opened it, turning to see him watching me. His deep dark eyes watching mine as I stood there. I smiled kindly at him, closing the door, and turning to face him, hands folded over my stomach.
"Thank you Severus, I appreciate that you most probably did not willingly agree to show me my classroom, office and quarters. It is appreciated as I said…" before I had a chance to finish, he sighed boredly, followed by him saying in his seemingly common dull tone
"Don't use your long speeches to thank me. A simple thank you would suffice; I would rather leave for my own quarters. Preferably before the morning" I chuckled slightly, steeping forward.
"Then a simple thank you, you shall receive. Thank you" I said, as he flashed a swift fake smile. Just as he was turning to leave, I found myself wrapping my arms around him, hugging him friendly. I let go, hands still on his side, as he looked at me, a bemused look in his eyes.
"It is good to see you again Severus, no matter what happened between us, it shall always be good to see after such time apart" I pecked him on the cheek, stepping away, turning and opening the door. Before I stepped in, I turned my head slightly, smirking at his slightly surprised expression. "Good night Severus, sweet dreams" I said, as I walked in.
"Like wise… Denzel" He said, as he turned and swiftly left. I sniggered slightly, shaking my head as I shut the door.
As I entered Hogwarts, I was greeted by many smiled and cheers from my fellow teachers, who had been there since I went to the school. One face that beamed at me more then the rest was McGonagall's. The minute she saw me she rushed forward, wrapping me in a loose hug. She stepped back, smiling kindly at me.
"My, Miss Denzel, how long it has been since I last saw you within these very walls. How beautiful you have grown in that time. You always were my favorite Slytherin" She leaned in and whispered "Though don't tell Severus". I chuckled slightly, nodding.
"To be honest professor, I think you made that most obvious when I attended here with Severus" she nodded slightly, looking at the ground. "It is wonderful to see you again Professor" She chuckled slightly at me.
"Please dear, you are no longer a student, but a fellow teacher. I think you can call me by my first name now" I nodded, grinning at her, biting my lip slightly causing her to chuckle again.
"Minerva" She said, as I smiled at her, slightly embarrassed. "Now, you best go into the hall, I am sure Dumbledore will show you to your seat. First will be the sorting, the feast, and then Dumbledore will make his annual speech, then the feast. I best go and show the first years in. I hope you have a wonderful time here Miss Denzel"
"Rosa, please. I am getting quiet tired of Severus calling me Denzel, I think if someone else calls me it I shall go mad" I laughed, as she sniggered slightly, nodding. She patted my arm, and walked on. I turned, smiling to myself about being back behind the old walls of the school. I walked along, with a slight spring in my step, stopping now and again as teachers greeted me. Now you may very well call me vein for what I did, but when you return to your old school you wish to make a good impression, so I stopped at a mirror. I know not where it came from, I am just glad that it was there. I patted my hair, and brushed off my dress. I looked up, and smiled happily at my reflection. My golden hair was up in a slight quaff, with the rest running down in curls. My pale completion simply made my lips and eyes stand out. I had put ruby red lipstick on, with black eye shadow upon my eye lids, with black eye liner outlining them. I wore a floor length black dress, which was frilled out at the base. As I fixed my hair and sorted out my dress, I shook my head in disbelief. Why on earth had I done myself up so much? I sure I wanted to look good and make a good first impression on my students, but this was over the top. I sighed, shaking my head. I brought out my wand and pointed it at myself. My make up disappeared and my dress changed into a floor length blood red dress, which a silver out line round the neck and sleeves. My hair was slightly crimped and ran down past my shoulders and down my back. I nodded in approval, turned and walked into the Great Hall. Just at the entrance I walked right into something, which I presumed was the wall. What ever it was it sent me flying back. I looked up and looked right into the friendly face of Hagrid, the grounds keeper. Well that is what he was when I attended here. He offered me a hand up and lifted me to my feet with ease.
"Sorry bout that… Merlin's beard, Rosalie Denzel" he said, as I smiled kindly at him. I dusted off my dress.
"Hello Hagrid, long time no see" I said, smirking slightly. He chuckled nodding.
"Well, I 'spose with all your Lady duties you've no had much time ta talk ta many of your friends" I shrugged, nodding awkwardly "Still, what ever you've been doin, it's brought out the Lady in ya. Look at ya, the perfect sample of how a lady should look" I grinned widely, it was not often I was complimented twice in one day. "So you've come back to teach?" I nodded quickly, as a rush of excitement rushed through me at the very thought of it.
"Yep, I have. Enchantments. One of my favorite things in the world!" I cheered, causing him to chuckle again.
"Well, at least you're teachin somethin ya clearly enjoy, ta say the least" I laughed slightly, realizing how I must have sounded.
"So, you still the grounds keeper here?" He nodded
"And Care of Magical Creatures professor" He said, clearly proud of himself. I could not help but beam at my old friend.
"Hagrid, that is absolutely fantastic! Dumbledore could not have chosen a better man for the job!" I said, causing him to blush slightly.
"So, you still remember them old dance lessons I gave ya?" I burst out laughing, nodding.
"How could I forget them Hagrid, they were the best steps ever!" I said, laughing heartily.
"Well, I am sure that they taught ya some better ones at that Ladies school you went to" I looked at him, shocked.
"Hagrid, no steps were better then the ones you showed me. I mean the waltz? Tango? All trash compared to your steps!" he chuckled once again.
"Well, if they're so good, let's see if ya can remember them" I smirked at him. I took my hand and spun me round on the spot, causing me to fall back, as he caught me. I could not help but laugh completely loving how Hagrid was still the same old giant I had met when I had attended here. We heard someone scoff, looked up and saw Severus. He glanced at Hagrid, and glared at me. He walked past, his cloak sweeping out giving him the look of a bat. Hagrid placed me back onto my feet fully, watching Severus as he walked a look of unapproval on his face.
"Ignore him Rosa, if he says one word to ya, just ignore him. Always been miserable and always will be" He looked to me, his usual friendly smile on his face.
"Anyway, you best be going, I'll see ya at the feast" He said turning and walking out.
"Bye Hagrid" I called after. I turned and walked into Dumbledore who smiled friendly at me as he always did.
"Ah, Rosalie. I am glad to see you took up my offer" he said. I returned the smile, nodding, though I think he could clearly see I was slightly confused for he chuckled slightly. "I joke with you, of course, Rosalie. I know that once you have made a commitment, you stand by it firmly" I smiled at him kindly, appreciating the fact he had noticed one of my few good traits. Well few in my opinion at least, though I am sure Severus would agree whole heartedly. Thinking of what he must think of me brought my mind back to upon the train. He had let me sit next to him. Play with his hair, even if only for a short time he still had let me do it. Then he had knowingly, well either he knew or had forgotten, put my fingers on his lap. I am quiet sure he would not have moved his hand if I had only kept my damn fingers still. I must have shown some sign that I was thinking of Severus, because Dumbledore cleared his throat, bringing my attention back to him even though I was not even aware that I had looked off in a daze or such. He had that knowing look in his eyes which I had seen much of when I had attended Hogwarts as a student. When ever he had spoken to me and knew that I was not being fully truthful about what I was saying he would give me that look.
"I am sure Severus will come to terms with you being in his life once more. What choice does he have, other then to quit…" I must have looked at him clearly shocked or panicked by his words, for he chuckled again shaking his head "…Though I am quiet sure that he would rather see you resign before he did" I smirked nodding. "Still, I hope you don't mind but your seat is next to Severus" I laughed slightly
"Oh, I do not mind, though I am quiet sure he does" Dumbledore smirked, nodding.
"Yes well, may I show you to you seat, since we are both heading that way?" I smiled politely and nodded. He smiled with his usual kind smile, turned and led the way, I following a couple of steps behind.
"Professor" I said, after we had walked in silence. He stopped, turning to look at me, his seemingly never fading smile looking right at me. "Why did you ask me to return here? I mean, surely there are so many other students from the past which could prove more useful for the cause then I shall ever?" Dumbledore placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Rosalie, I would not have asked you back if I did not think that you could help in one way or another" I sighed slightly, nodding. He patted my shoulder, and led me on. He showed me to my seat, before bowing his head and walking to his seat. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a blared black image. I turned to my right and smiled politely at the sneering face of Severus.
"Hello Severus" I said simply, knowing he would speak to me as little as he could. I heard him mutter something back, no doubt a greeting. After the sorting, which seemed to be one thing that I knew had not changed since I had came to Hogwarts. Well that and the marvelous food. I held back the urge to shovel it all in as quick as I could, like I used to. Still perhaps that would prove to Severus that I had not truly changed. He seemed to be the only one I spoke to almost always with my 'proper' voice, and not my normal one that I spoke to everyone else with. Maybe that was partly why he seemed to hate me so much. I treated him differently to everyone else, but what did he expect? I had tried to act civil with him, and that had ended in disaster, minus the incident which had not. After almost everyone had finished, Dumbledore rose to his feet and walked to his podium.
"Well, now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a dew moments of your attention for the usual start-of-term notices" said Dumbledore "First-years ought to know that the Forest in the grounds is out of bounds to students- and a few of our older students ought to know by now, too" I smirked slightly at this, thinking of what those he meant had been up to in that damn Forest. "Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the four-hundred- and-sixty-second time, to remind you all that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes, nor are a number of other things, all which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr. Filch's office door "We have two changes in staff. Now, some of you have no doubt have noticed that we have an extra member of staff. Professor Denzel" He said, as I rose to me feet smiling kindly at the students who looked at me "Is here to teach the newest subject to be taught within these ancient walls, Enchantments." I sat back down "This shall be required to be taken by all students for the complete year, apart from those in sixth year and up, who are only required to take it for the first term, but may of course continue on for the rest of the school year." There was a round of polite and some what enthusiastic applause. "Also we are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons; we are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." There was another round of polite but fairly unenthusiastic applause. I presumed that a new DADA teacher was quiet common to the school. "Tryouts for the house Quidditch teams will take place on the-" he broke off, looking enquiringly at Professor Umbridge. As she was not much taller standing than sitting, there was a moment when nobody understood why Dumbledore had stopped talking, but then Professor Umbridge cleared her throat, 'Hem, hem' and it became clear that she had got to her feet and was intending to make a speech. Oh how I felt sorry for Severus having to sit next to her, luckily I was on his opposite side and so by McGonagall. Dumbledore only looked taken aback for a moment, then he sat down smartly and looked alertly at Professor Umbridge as though he desired nothing better than to listen to her talk. I looked along the table and smirked as the other members of staff were not as adept to hiding their surprise. Professor Sprout's eyebrows had disappeared into her fly away hair and Professor McGonagall's mouth was as thin as ever I had seen it while I was at Hogwarts. I could tell that no new teacher had ever interrupted Dumbledore before. I looked out to the students and saw that many of them were smirking; this woman obviously knew much less then I did about how things were done at Hogwarts.
"Thank you, Headmaster for those kind words of welcome." Her voice was high-pitched and little-girlish. Oh how glad I was that I did not have to sit in on any of her lessons, I thing I would kill myself after the first day. She cleared her throat once more and continued "Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say!" Dear heavens! She spoke even posher then I did. At least I made it sound good "And to see such happy little faces looking up at me!" I looked round, and completely missed any of these 'happy little faces' she saw. At least I now knew I was going to be a better teacher then someone. "I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all and I'm sure we'll be very good friends!" Dear me, how delirious could she be? Still she saw happy little faces that no one else saw so it was not truly surprising. She cleared her throat again, and when she spoke she sounded oh so business like. "The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizard to be of vital importance. The rare gifts with which you were born may come to nothing if not nurtured and honed by careful instruction. The ancient skills unique to the wizarding community must be passed down the generations lest we lose them for ever. The treasure trove of magical knowledge amazed by our ancestors must be guarded, replenished and polished by those who have been called to the noble profession of teaching" She paused and made a little bow to I and the rest of the staff, as we all watched her shocked still. I personally was almost dieing of boredom, and I have never been good at hiding boredom. I leaned on my hand which rested upon my elbow. My eyes hung low over my eyes, blinking hard trying to stay awake. I could tell by some of the sniggers and pointing I saw, it was amusing the students. The damn women cleared her throat again and went on with her drainingly dull speech.
"Every headmaster and headmistress of Hogwarts has brought something new to the weighty task of governing this historic school, and that is as it should be, for without progress there will be stagnation and decay. There again, progress for the sake of progress's sake must be discouraged, for our tried and tested traditions often require no tinkering. A balance, then, between old and new, between permanence and change between tradition and innovation…" For goodness's sake! This woman could talk until the world imploded! "...because some changes will be for the better, while others will come, in fullness of time, to be recognized as errors of judgment. Meanwhile, some old habits will be retained, and rightly so, whereas others, outmoded outworn, must be abandoned. Let us move forward, then, into a new era of openness, effectiveness and accountability, intent on preserving what ought to be preserved and accountability, intent on preserving what ought to be preserved, perfecting what needs to be perfected, and pruning wherever we find practices that ought to be prohibited" She finally sat down. Dumbledore clapped, waking me from my slight slumber. I with the rest of the staff followed his lead, though most of us barely clapped more then twice. A few students clapped, though most did not. Probably bored to death by it, poor children.
"Thank you very much, Professor Umbridge, that was most illuminating" He said, bowing to her "Now, as I was saying, Quidditch tryout will be held at the Quidditch pitch, during lunch. First Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and lastly Ravenclaw. That's all, now off to bed" there was a rush of activity, as the students rushed to get to the common rooms. Severus cleared his throat, and I looked at him smirking.
"I shall show you where your classroom is, then to your office, and lastly your quarters" he said, rising to his feet. I nodded, rolling my eyes slightly. One thing I had learnt when I had been close with Severus was never to question him. When he told you to do something you did it. Not that he would do anything if you did not, but it was better to do as he said then chance getting a very annoyed Severus, which was never good for anyone. I rose to my feet and followed after him, a few steps behind. A few moments later I began to hum slightly to myself, which of course would have to annoy him. He turned round swiftly, glaring at me as usual.
"Do you need to persist with that noise?" I rolled my eyes, stepping closer to him looking him dead in the eye.
"Severus, even if I was not humming, you would find something else to complain about" I said, chuckling slightly, flicking his hair "Since you never seem to be happy unless others are not" I said, smirking at him. He sneered at me, turned and walked on, at a faster pace then he had been a moment ago. I sighed, following him swiftly trying to keep up with him. He had often done this when we were at Hogwarts, walked swiftly in order to get away from what or who was annoying him. Still I had always, and always will, persist in following him at an equally quick pace, as I did now, much to his annoyance. I titled my head slightly, smiling quiet smugly at him. We walked down to the dungeons, which I imagined was his territory in the school. We walked through the dark dank corridors of the dungeons, until we got to a wooden door, stopping and glaring at the door with hatred which I presume was meant for me.
"This is your classroom" He said, duly "I advise you remember where it is, for I have much more important things to do then constantly re-show you where it is" I nodded understandingly, though I truly could not care what he said. If I forgot where my classroom was I could simply ask someone, who was not him of course. Before I had a chance to reach for the door handle, he turned and walked on. I sighed shrugging as I followed him to my office. He repeated what he had said outside my classroom, and then once more he took off before I had the chance to open the door. When we reached the door to my quarters, he stopped again, saying what he had at the last two doors once more. I walked to the door and opened it, turning to see him watching me. His deep dark eyes watching mine as I stood there. I smiled kindly at him, closing the door, and turning to face him, hands folded over my stomach.
"Thank you Severus, I appreciate that you most probably did not willingly agree to show me my classroom, office and quarters. It is appreciated as I said…" before I had a chance to finish, he sighed boredly, followed by him saying in his seemingly common dull tone
"Don't use your long speeches to thank me. A simple thank you would suffice; I would rather leave for my own quarters. Preferably before the morning" I chuckled slightly, steeping forward.
"Then a simple thank you, you shall receive. Thank you" I said, as he flashed a swift fake smile. Just as he was turning to leave, I found myself wrapping my arms around him, hugging him friendly. I let go, hands still on his side, as he looked at me, a bemused look in his eyes.
"It is good to see you again Severus, no matter what happened between us, it shall always be good to see after such time apart" I pecked him on the cheek, stepping away, turning and opening the door. Before I stepped in, I turned my head slightly, smirking at his slightly surprised expression. "Good night Severus, sweet dreams" I said, as I walked in.
"Like wise… Denzel" He said, as he turned and swiftly left. I sniggered slightly, shaking my head as I shut the door.
